Quiet time.  It is NOT a very manly term, but it is one that we use quite often in Christian circles.  To me, it is one of the obvious, non-negotiable, heavy-hitting ways for us to become more mature Christians.  

But what is it?  Why do we do it?  Maybe most importantly, how do we do it?  A lot of people ask me these questions, so I thought I’d take some time to answer them on the blog.  This will be a multi-part post, starting with this question:

What is a quiet time?

First, let me say what it isn’t.  A quiet time is not a time to sit cross-legged, tilt your hands over and mumble “huummmmm” in some low, weird voice.  It isn’t studying the Bible, though it often includes reading the Bible.  It isn’t praying a list of prayer requests, though prayer is a part of it.  It doesn’t have to last for hours, though sometimes it might.  It isn’t some sort of religious requirement, though many Christians require it of themselves.

So what is a quiet time?

A quiet time is time you set aside to spend with God. 

It is a time to hear from God and a time to talk to Him.  It is a time to reflect back and a time to look forward.  It is a time to read His Word and to pray.  It is a time to let the Holy Spirit convict you and comfort you.  It is a time to laugh with God and cry with God.  It is a time for you to be with the Creator of the Universe and the lover of your soul.

A quiet time is time you set aside to spend with God.

That’s it.  It is very simple.  Stay tuned for some thoughts on why and how to have a quiet time.

I’m in the middle of of a class called “Contemporary Evangelism”.  Rather than have us read and interact on a traditional textbook, they are having us read six different books with six different approaches to evangelism in the 21st century.  I have particularly enjoyed the one I just finished reading called Concentric Circles of Concern by W. Oscar Thompson.

Concentric Circles of Concern defines “lifestyle evangelism” and explains a strategy for living it out. Thompson defines lifestyle evangelism using the concept of seven concentric circles: circles of different sizes that all have the same center. Each circle represents a category of relationship: 1) self; 2) family; 3) relatives; 4) friends; 5) neighbors and associates; 6) acquaintances; and 7) person X.

The Gospel, Thompson argues, flows most naturally and effectively along these lines of relationships that are already established, starting with the people we are closest to and ending with those we know the least. He challenges the reader to consider this natural order when approaching evangelism. We ought to begin with ourselves and our family rather than focusing our attention on how to reach someone we may meet only once. It is hypocritical to think we can effectively share the Gospel with strangers when we cannot first tell those closest to us. On the other hand, once we have reached those closest to us, reaching the next set of relationships will be more natural, effective, and "honest".

I would HIGHLY recommend this book if you have trouble figuring out how to live, work and pray in such a way that you can eventually introduce Jesus to the people closest to you.

Pornography is a parasite, feeding on a person’s soul and eventually their family.  It is a crippling addiction that will at least render a man incapable of leading his family, and at worst may destroy it.  If only it were a problem small in scale…but it is not. 

Depending on the statistics you read, 70-90% of men have been, are currently, and/or will be regular users of pornography.  This is a HUGE problem with HUGE ramifications for our society, and the church is not immune.  Unfortunately, the statistics do not vary much when the population in question is those who claim Christ as their Savior.

That is why beginning with this Thursday’s Band of Brothers meeting (1/22), we are beginning an important series called "Every Man’s Battle" where we will discuss the ways that sexual temptation and addiction can cripple a family and how to win that battle with the help of God and each other.  The video below shows how the recent movie "FIREPROOF" portrayed the problem as well as a bit of the solution:

To help us figure this out, our special guest for two weeks will be Brett Fitzer, a Christian Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in this topic.  He will have some material to and will then open up the time for Q&A.

I know the subject is a difficult one, but am convinced that is a critical subject for you, your son(s), or your friends to consider.  Life Group leaders, please COME this Thursday and invite your members to as well.  Please join us starting THIS THURSDAY January 22nd at 6:30 am sharp and see what God might have in store for YOU.

This morning’s Band of Brother’s gathering was about NEUTRALIZING the NOISE between us and God.  I never know how a topic will hit the men that show up…this one seemed to hit home with many of us.  Here is the short version.

We live in a very noisy world, full of audio and visual stimulation.  We had a quick texting discussion and heard from guys whose kids send 5, 50, 100, even up to 600 texts…per day!  I recently had to intervene with my 14 year old niece as she sent texts back and forth with her boyfriend while we ate Thanksgiving dinner!

But it is not just kids, right?  The first thing I do when I get into my car is turn on my radio or iPod.  I can be found "vegging" in front of the TV just like the next guy. 

(more…)

Just a quick reminder to anyone involved in discipling others.  This pertains to anyone who is a Life Group leader, friend, pastor, Bible study teacher, parent…whatever.

Doctrine is important, it is critically important.  As important as it is though, it can never come before people’s real-life issues.  Sometimes doctrine is the answer to real-life issues, but sometimes people just need counsel or plain old love…not a rigorous debate on theology! 

Don’t leave doctrine out of the discussion, but don’t prioritize it above people’s here-and-now needs!

God is bigger than the boogie man,

He’s bigger than Godzilla and the monsters on TV!

Oh, God is bigger than the boogie man,

And He’s watching out for you and me!

A silly song?  Yes, but a true song nonetheless.  When we are feeling discouraged, beat up, unloved or unlovable, God tells we are WRONG.  Si Shaffer sent me this resource and I thought it might be an encouragement to someone out there.

God is Bigger Than…

God IS bigger than any storm we face!

Running in such a way as to get the prize requires training, encouragement and challenge.  This happens on Sunday morning, better in Life Groups, and best in Discipleship Groups (D-Groups).  If you are in a D-Group and are wondering what sort of material to cover, here is an idea.

Thirty Discipleship Exercises is a study featuring 30 different topics (such as obedience, guidance, adversity, humility, forgiveness…) with six Bible verses for each lesson. The Scriptures selected are basic to the Christian life and witness. This material can be useful in personal devotions, D-Groups, or small group discussions.